Defqon.1 has officially been cancelled for the remainder of the weekend. The iconic Dutch hardstyle festival confirmed late on Thursday that the Holy Grounds will close their gates effective Friday 26th June, after the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) issued a code red warning due to extreme heat — the first time the Netherlands has ever issued a code red warning because of high temperatures.
The decision marks a historic and devastating moment for the global hardstyle community. The Dutch festival had already restricted Friday and Saturday access to Weekend Visitors only a day earlier, but the worsening weather forecast has now forced organisers and authorities into a full shutdown of the festival programme.
“Dear Warriors, the unthinkable has happened. Defqon.1 has been cancelled for the remainder of the weekend. Today, we received the news that the KNMI has issued a code red warning due to extreme heat for at least the next 24 hours. This is the first time the Netherlands has ever issued a code red warning because of high temperatures. Together with the authorities, we are therefore forced to cancel the remaining days of Defqon.1.” – Q Dance
Defqon.1 Camping Grounds remain open for safe departure
Tens of thousands of Weekend Warriors are currently on the Defqon.1 Camping Grounds, many of whom travelled from across the world and prepared for months. The Dutch festival has confirmed that the Camping Grounds and part of the Festival Grounds will remain open on Friday without musical programming, with all essential facilities available so visitors can arrange safe journeys home.
“To all Weekend Warriors: we’ve got your back. We understand that you didn’t plan for this, and we will do everything we can to help you get home safely,” the Dutch team added. The hardstyle giant has urged all festivalgoers to rest, hydrate and prepare for the journey home tomorrow.
Refunds, FAQ and the road ahead
Q-dance has confirmed that all tickets will be refunded, with additional information regarding further compensation set to follow after the weekend. The Dutch team has also set up a dedicated FAQ at defqon1.com and an active WhatsApp helpline via Q.dance/whatsapp for both on-site visitors and concerned families back home.
The blow is felt on every level. Beyond the tens of thousands of fans, the cancellation also impacts the artists, crew and creatives who spent the entire year building this edition. As covered in our previous report on the festival’s Friday and Saturday access restriction, the team had already deployed every additional safety measure possible. The KNMI code red ultimately left no other option.
“This is not the journey we imagined, and the reality has barely sunk in,” the Dutch team closed. “Nevertheless, it is our duty to take care of you. That is our sacred oath. Forever One Tribe.”